New travel-related measles case found in the Lower Mainland

A new case of travel-related measles has been confirmed in the Lower Mainland this week.

Fraser Health says a traveller from Ontario who went to Vancouver and Chilliwack on April 20 has a confirmed infection of the virus.

The health authority says members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they were at the following locations over the past week:

• Air Canada Flight AC2105 from Toronto to Vancouver, departing at 8:38 a.m. and arriving at 10:09 a.m. on April 20;
• Domestic arrivals area of Vancouver International Airport, including baggage claim, from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on April 20;
• The Chilliwack Coliseum between 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on April 20; and
• The Coast Chilliwack Hotel at 45920 First Avenue from 1 p.m. on April 20 to 12 a.m. on April 25.

“Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by the airborne route,” Fraser Health said.

“Individuals exposed to the measles virus should monitor for symptoms that may develop up to three weeks after being exposed. These include fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red eyes; followed a few days later by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads rapidly down to the rest of the body.”

Most Canadian residents have immunity to the virus due to immunization or previous infection, it said.

Anyone who develops measles symptoms is asked to stay home and call Fraser Health Public Health at 604-507-5471 for advice.

Free vaccines are also available through Public Health.